Subaru XT

2011 SEMA: No BRZ, But Here's Four Other Cool Subarus

Subaru has been much more secretive than Scion about its forthcoming rear-wheel drive sports car. While Scion has shown numerous iterations of the FR-S, all Subaru has shown of its new BRZ are pictures, and a see-through concept. Even our first drive revealed nothing, as our BRZ tester was covered in camouflage. This year’s SEMA show was no different. While Scion brought its FR-S concept to the aftermarket show, Subaru declined to bring its cool new BRZ along. Instead, this is what we’ve got.

2012 Subaru Impreza SportSubaru chose this year’s SEMA show to show off a few new accessories for the brand new 2012 Impreza Sport. A showcase for Subaru’s SPT parts line, this Impreza Sport gets accessories that the stereotypical Subaru owner are most likely to go for including roof rack crossbars, a roof-mounted bike rack and wheel holder, and sporty-looking bits like a front underspoiler, a mesh grille, and a completely non-functional roof spoiler.

Mark Higgins’ 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan Isle of Man Record HolderUnlike the Subaru Impreza Sport, the massive rear wing on this Impreza WRX STI is both completely functional, and necessary.As we reported to you before, this very WRX STI set the record for fastest time by a four-wheeled around the incredibly demanding Isle of Mann TT course. Mark Higgins, an Isle of Mann native, broke the previous record on his first practice lap in this very car. Over the 37.72 mile course, Higgins averaged 115.356 mph and topped out at over 162 mph, ultimately resulting in a time of 19:37 lap time.

David Higgins’ Subaru Rally Team USA WRX STI Rally CarThe Higgins Brothers were well-represented at Subaru’s SEMA booth this year. Right across from Mark Higgins’ Isle of Mann Impreza WRX STI was younger brother David Higgins’ Subaru Rally Team USA WRX STI Rally Car. Not to be outdone by his big brother,this Rally America-prepped WRX STI shattered the official record at the Mt. Washington hill climb by almost 30 seconds. The unofficial record, set by Travis Pastrana (whom Higgins replaced) a year before was also broken by the younger Higgins, by almost nine seconds. While the elder Higgins’ Isle of Mann TT time might be more impressive due to the fact that he used a stock car, you gotta love a good rally-prepped ride like this one.

1986 Subaru XT CoupeAlthough the Subaru BRZ couldn’t make it to this year’s SEMA show, its granddaddy could. This beautifully restored 1986 Subaru XT Coupe could be considered the ancestor to the future BRZ. The XT Coupe was the most aerodynamic production car of its time with a drag coefficient of 0.29. The XT Coupe’s low drag coefficient was aided by a lower air dam, rubber spoilers on each wheel opening, and a single 22-inch windshield wiper that tucked away when not in use. This all-wheel drive XT Coupe is powered by a 1.8-liter F-4 that produces 110-hp. While the BRZ won’t have all-wheel drive or a turbocharger initially, its 2.0-liter F-4 will probably push 200-hp, almost double the power of its forbear. But you had to start somewhere, and without this XT Coupe, we might not be looking forward to a BRZ today.